Return of Tower's Phantom-Chapter 48 – Apostles Descend

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Tower Floor 83 – Ash Reign Base

The wind howled unnaturally. A ripple spread through the air as Rael's eyes snapped open.

> [System Alert: Dimensional Rift Detected – Apostle-Class Threat Incoming] [Warning: Signature matches "Valken the Blade Tutor" – Rank: Divine Executioner]

Selene cursed. "Already?! We just formed the guild!"

Varen cracked his knuckles, smirking. "Good. Let 'em come."

Rael, however, stood frozen.

"Valken..." he muttered. "He was my first mentor in the Tower. He taught me how to wield dual blades—before he became one of them."

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Outside the Base – Rift Opening

Lightning carved the sky open.

From within the rift stepped a man in white and gold, blades floating behind his back. His eyes were like glass—emotionless. Yet beneath that stillness was once the warmth of a teacher, a brother in arms.

"Rael Arclight," Valken said, his voice both divine and distant. "You were meant to be more."

"I am more," Rael answered, stepping forward. "And I've come to prove it."

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Battle – Valken vs. Rael

Sparks ignited.

Valken's twin swords moved with such precision they sang through the air. Rael countered with his spectral clone, dodging and slashing, the battlefield bending under their movements.

> [Skill: Phantom Dash – Activated] [Skill: Twin Eclipse – 37% Sync]

But it wasn't enough.

Valken's sword pierced Rael's side, sending him flying.

"You hesitate, boy," the Apostle said. "Even now, you seek the man I was."

Rael's blood sizzled on the stones. He coughed... but smiled.

"No... I was stalling."

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Selene and Varen Join the Fight

Selene's magic tore through the sky—an aurora of chains and ice.

Varen leapt like a beast, bare fists clashing with divine steel.

For the first time, Valken staggered.

Rael surged forward, blades glowing black.

> [Secret Art: Soul Sever – Dual Execution]

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His swords crossed through Valken's chest—and Rael whispered, "Goodbye, Master."

The Apostle's form crumbled to ash.

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Aftermath

Rael fell to one knee, breathing heavily. Selene grabbed him, shaking her head. "You idiot..."

But Rael's gaze was calm. "He was testing me. He held back."

Varen spat. "Then we better prepare. The next ones won't."

Rael stood up, his voice cold. "Then we'll meet them with fire."

> [System Update: Apostolic Threat Neutralized – Temporarily] [Ash Reign Reputation: Increased Across 3 Floors] [New Passive Unlocked: Apostle Slayer – Phase 1]

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